Our descent into authoritarianism proceeds apace. Trump flunkies will now have power over all government grants.
An executive order signed by President Donald Trump late Thursday aims to give political appointees power over the billions of dollars in grants awarded by federal agencies. Scientists say it threatens to undermine the process that has helped make the U.S. the world leader in research and development.
The order requires all federal agencies, including FEMA, the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, to appoint officials responsible for reviewing federal funding opportunities and grants, so that they “are consistent with agency priorities and the national interest.”
It also requires agencies to make it so that current and future federal grants can be terminated at any time — including during the grant period itself.
Agencies cannot announce new funding opportunities until the new protocols are in place, according to the order.
Imagine the caliber of the people making these decisions. I think RFK Jr will be seen as an expert by comparison.
This is nothing more than another way for the Republican party to hold sway over every aspect of American life. I never thought I would feel so nostalgic for the days of libertarian conservative movement paeans to small government.